James Gray: This and the next photograph may have been taken anywhere on this wind-swept hill, now completely covered by houses. jgc_20_210 and jgc_20_211
2019: OS Maps from 1911 to 1932 show the existence of three L-shaped farm buildings in this area. By 1949 these had disappeared from the maps.
James Gray: Clearance of the farm area prior to the building of Beechwood Close, 2 March 1958. jgc_20_212
2019: Since the development of Beechwood Close, lateral views across the original farm area are no longer possible. This Google Earth image captures the transformation. The original farmhouse still exists and can be seen behind the large tree on the right-hand side of the central area. (Photographer: Google Earth)
James Gray: Way back in 1923, high up on the Downs beyond Surrenden Road, this house was built for the late Mr Jesse Hobden, who was then farming at Varndean. The area around the house was known as Upper Varndean Farm to distinguish it from the main Varndean Farm, down by Loder Road.